ROCKLAND, Maine (AP) — A Maine man convicted of killing a 12-year-old girl more than three decades ago launched his latest bid on Thursday for a new trial by trying to convince a judge that advances in DNA testing raise questions about his guilt.
The attorney for Dennis Dechaine called his first witness at the start of a two-day hearing in Knox County Superior Court. Dechaine is trying to make the case that tests conducted by a California laboratory excluded his DNA from several items found at the crime scene, requiring a new trial in which jurors could weigh all the evidence.
Prosecutors have contended plenty of other evidence links Dechaine to the crime and that his DNA could not be excluded from several other items.
Dechaine, 66, is serving a life sentence for the murder and sexual assault of Sarah Cherry, who disappeared while babysitting in Bowdoin in July 1988. Her body was found two days later.
Arkansas hires Kenny Payne as associate head coach under John Calipari
Facing a Republican revolt, House Speaker Johnson pushes ahead on US aid for Ukraine, allies
Mesmerising charts show world's most and least populated countries over time
Even with John Schneider still in charge a new era arrives for Seahawks entering 2024 NFL draft
Georgian police fire tear gas to break up protest against so
Severe storms bring hail, tornadoes to parts of central US
Gardener asks social media: 'What is this weed and how do I get rid of it?'
Buffalo Sabres fire head coach Don Granato after extending playoff drought to 13th season
Thrice divorced Whoopi Goldberg, 68, admits she NEVER wanted to get married
Liz Truss accuses government of 'finger